Pacific beach resorts · Surf & rainforest · Flights from Canada
Beach & Rainforest · Flights Included
Central Pacific resort packages with return flights from Canada
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Jacó is Costa Rica's most accessible beach town — a lively surf strip on the Central Pacific coast, just about 90 minutes by road from San José's airport. Its long grey-sand beach draws surfers to neighbouring Playa Hermosa, while the surrounding coast packs in rainforest reserves, the Tárcoles River crocodiles, and Manuel Antonio's wildlife. Costa Rica sits well south and west of the Caribbean hurricane belt, so the Pacific coast stays warm all year with a clear dry season.
Climate
27–32°C · dry season Dec–Apr
Warm year-round Pacific coast; dry and sunny December–April, greener with afternoon showers May–November.
Currency
Costa Rican Colón
1 CAD ≈ 370 CRC · USD widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Passport + proof of onward travel
On the sandLearn to surf on Jacó's beginner-friendly break, then watch the pros on the powerful waves at Playa Hermosa just south of town.
WildlifeSpot sloths, capuchin monkeys, and toucans on rainforest trails that end at postcard beaches, an easy day trip down the coast.
On the waterSail from the Los Sueños Marina at Playa Herradura for snorkelling, dolphin spotting, and a Pacific sunset.
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is required. Costa Rica also asks for proof of onward or return travel on arrival.
Visa-free stay: Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists — no advance application needed.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Costa Rica. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, especially for surfing and adventure tours.
Power & plugs: Costa Rica uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so your devices and chargers work without an adapter.
Time zone: Costa Rica runs on Central Standard Time (UTC−6) year-round with no daylight saving — one hour behind Toronto in winter, two in summer.
Sunny, blue skies, best beach weather. Busiest and priciest for Canadians.
Lush and warm with sunny mornings and short afternoon showers — great value and prime surf.
Heaviest Pacific rains and rougher seas; lowest prices but many tours pause.
Rains taper off, the coast turns green, and crowds are still light.
Where to stay
The Central Pacific coast around Jacó ranges from a buzzing surf-town strip to gated nature resorts and an upscale marina. Here's how to choose.
Beachfront centre
The main strip of beachfront resorts, restaurants, and nightlife, steps from a long grey-sand beach and beginner surf.
5 km south
A long, wild black-sand surf beach and wildlife refuge just south of Jacó — calmer, with laid-back stays.
8 km north
A sheltered cove with the Los Sueños Marina, upscale resorts, golf, and the launch point for catamaran and sport-fishing trips.
North coast
A gated reserve with two white-sand beaches, rainforest trails, and abundant wildlife, away from the town bustle.
Beyond the resort
Jacó is a great launch point for Costa Rica's rainforest, wildlife, and Pacific adventures. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
WildlifeGuided rainforest walk to spot sloths, monkeys, and toucans, then relax on the park's beaches.
NatureCruise the Tárcoles River past giant crocodiles and scarlet macaws bordering Carara National Park.
OceanSail the Pacific from the Los Sueños Marina with snorkelling, dolphin spotting, lunch, and open bar.
AdventureZip through the canopy and ride an ATV to a jungle waterfall in the hills above Jacó.
Pacific beach packages with flights from Canada, starting at
Good to know
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
No. Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel.
Direct flights are about 5h 30m from Toronto to San José (SJO). Jacó is roughly a 90-minute drive southwest from the airport.
The dry season from December to April has the sunniest beach weather. May–August is greener with great value and prime surf; September–October is the wettest.
The Central Pacific coast sits well outside the main Caribbean hurricane belt, so Jacó stays warm year-round with a clear wet and dry season rather than hurricane risk.
The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is official, but US dollars are widely accepted for hotels and tours. Carry small colónes for local shops and buses.
It's strongly recommended. Healthcare is private and adventure activities like surfing, zip-lining, and ATV tours make comprehensive coverage important.
Yes — Jacó's beach break is forgiving for lessons, while nearby Playa Hermosa offers powerful waves for experienced surfers. Board rentals and schools line the town.
Yes, you can add trips like Manuel Antonio National Park and the Los Sueños Catamaran & Snorkel to your booking at checkout.
